Beowulf (
beewulf) wrote in
avalononline2021-11-25 11:01 am
Video / un; Berserker - I'm back, from outer space
Alright, alright, Minako. I'm back just as I promised. Not a scratch on me or hair out of place either.
[He was currently outside in the cold, lighting up a grill. Looking rather bored; that itch was still there, gnawing away at his guts. It was hard to describe, it wasn't hunger, not entirely, but he did know what it was. And it was that knowledge of what the feeling is and what it's tied to that offers up a small frown from him.
A frown and just the barest hints of annoyance.]
Oh, and Master. If you're looking at this, make sure you stop by, I'm going to have some steaks going. I suppose you can come too if you want, Kadoc.
[This was all being addressed to specific people, sure. But he looked a little lost in thought, not even bothered by the cold as he stood out in it... with only a pair of pants on.
..."I'm gonna be a dragon steeeaakkk!"
And now you are.]
[He was currently outside in the cold, lighting up a grill. Looking rather bored; that itch was still there, gnawing away at his guts. It was hard to describe, it wasn't hunger, not entirely, but he did know what it was. And it was that knowledge of what the feeling is and what it's tied to that offers up a small frown from him.
A frown and just the barest hints of annoyance.]
Oh, and Master. If you're looking at this, make sure you stop by, I'm going to have some steaks going. I suppose you can come too if you want, Kadoc.
[This was all being addressed to specific people, sure. But he looked a little lost in thought, not even bothered by the cold as he stood out in it... with only a pair of pants on.
..."I'm gonna be a dragon steeeaakkk!"
And now you are.]

video;
At least seeing Beowulf of all people out in the cold without a shirt on.. isn't too strange. If anyone would do that sort of thing, it's him. Besides, Minako can't really pay much attention to that - and that's saying something, considering how thirsty she is in general - when she's mostly just relieved to see that there's a video from him. ]
.. Are you sure about that part about the hair?
[ She's smiling though. Obviously just joking, but.. in a soft, relieved sort of way. She's very obviously just glad, more than anything else. ]
If I come check it out and there's even one out of place after all, you're going to get it!
no subject
[There was a bark of laughter in return. In spite of what he might be feeling at the very least the big guy was still in a good mood! It was quite nice to see someone apparently worried enough over him that she acted relieved at his return!
There was a light fwoosh as the charcoal ignited.]
But if you're that worried, you're free to stop by as well. I've enough meat, food, and drink for a small party.
no subject
I guess I do need to see you so I can return something important to you.
[ Yes, of course she did hold on to it. And made sure it was safe all this time so she could return to him the moment he did show up again - this very moment. ]
I'll come right over, okay? I have some stuff to ask you anyway.
no subject
See you in a few then.
[By the time she arrives he'll already have the cuts cooking up. It's cold, but the heat from the grill certainly helps keep things toasty around him.]
no subject
As as usually, Minako is noticable even from a distance. If not just for her sheer volume: ]
HEEEEEY!
[ .. then maybe it's just her appearance, long blonde hair flowing absolutely everywhere. She's running up to the other, and it's by some small miracle that she manages to stop by his side without managing to trip over snow or ice even once. ]
Look here! [ She holds out the little thing he gave her, as it lies there on the palm of her hand. ] I got it for you! Because you really did keep your promise to me.
no subject
Really such a strange and bright girl!]
So you did! [There was a grin back. His thoughts might be wandering around right now. But he didn't let them cloud things too much. One large hand reached to grasp the piece between two fingers and lift it out of her palm.]
A promise is a promise. You have my thanks for bringing it with you and keeping it safe.
no subject
Though it's not exactly what she wanted to ask. It was something she couldn't ask over the network in the first place, and it seems that not a whole lot of people have arrived here to Beowulf's barbeque yet - which works out for her, since it means they have a bit of privacy.
Something about Minako's facial expression seems to take a very sudden turn, growing a lot more serious in a split second. ]
What I wanted to ask.. [ Apparently it's got to be something pretty serious, huh. ] Were you the one who made that announcement about the dragon?
[ It's not a weird thing to assume, right? She has no idea who did post it, since there was no name attached to it, and he's the only person she knew who went after the dragon in the first place. ]
no subject
[He doesn't sound put off by the question at all. Instead, he simply pulls out his own phone to show his log replies. In fact, he probably thinks it was a fair assumption to make.]
If it were me I'd have shown the dragon done for. Not make some anonymous text message, or allowed the comments to get as out of hand as they had.
[If he did manage to meet those that had managed to reach it first, then he also wouldn't say who had been part of it. The same could be said of if he had any idea of who. They wanted to be left anonymous then so be it. Whatever reason or thoughts they had for doing so was their own.
He goes ahead and pockets the fragment.]
Are you bothered by the outcome?
no subject
But it is 100% confirmation that it wasn't him, which is good either way.
It means Minako can instead focus on the question he's asking her here - and it's one that makes her frown. ]
No. [ Despite her answer, apparently. ] I think.. this is the best thing, in the end.
[ Especially when they couldn't have predicted whether or not the dragon may have attacked something else again. Killing is cruel, Minako knows, but sometimes also necessary. ]
I'm more worried by how divided it seems to be making all of us.
1/2
Beowulf hummed and thought for a moment. Before going to flip the "steaks".]
So it would seem that the divide is made more evident. Clashing ambitions, fools attacking those whose faces they cannot see. Anger over not getting what you want, and anger over the belief that you are the only one that is right. These are things that lead to others harming one another. They can tear halls apart and lead to bitter feuds.
...When these feelings conglomerate, when sin is heaped upon sin. There a dragon is formed. Not every dragon is a giant, fire breathing hell beast. But its purpose is still the same. Destroy, tear apart, horde and think only of itself. These are dragons, monsters... They consume those that they grow in. And would see the death and misery of all.
2/2
But only if they're allowed to do so. So! Tell me, how would you suggest we slay such a beast that's started to fester inside their hearts?
If you worry over everyone being divided, then we must assuage that worry.
no subject
Minako herself sure didn't see it coming - and it's evident too, just by the fact of how surprised she looks when Beowulf's speech suddenly takes a turn like that. Her eyes grow a little wider, making her look younger again in her surprise, closer to her usual age than the weird ageless mood that seems to come over Minako when she gets serious. ]
Huh?
[ Yes, very much genuinely caught off guard here. ]
O-Oh! I mean.. The most important part is for all of us to remember that we're all in this together, right..? I don't know how people could forget that and get so mean to each other over something that's..
[ Her voice trails off, and she shakes her head. ]
Well, it's not meaningless, exactly. [ The dragon problem was a big one. ] But it doesn't feel like it's important enough to actually divide ourselves over at all!
no subject
[He continued with the warm smile. An absolute change of mood whiplash indeed. But things were getting far too serious here, and she seemed to be genuinely upset about it all. Instead of focusing purely on the hurt, it was better to find a way forward and patch up what hurts.]
People are stressed and potentially feel powerless. So lash out. Something like this won't really divide us and shouldn't be allowed to. Not by any great degree. A reminder of the us all being tied together is very much in order here.
[His smile gets even wider now.]
The winter holidays are fast approaching, you know. What better time to remind ourselves that we're all in this together.
no subject
[ She's genuinely curious. Maybe Minako is thinking a little bit too much of the past, but after witnessing the way the unrest on Earth grew and grew until its people were so fed up that they started attacking the Moon Kingdom - she can't help but worry.
Sure, this problem still seems relatively small too, but you never know when something might snowball out of control. Maybe she's a bit of a worrywart, though she'd never admit to it herself.
It leaves her looking pretty vulnerable in this moment. Like she's really looking towards him for guidance, in a way that's much less ditzy than her usual antics. ]
I'm sure everyone will have fun, yes, but.. does that mean they'll stop blaming each other? That they'll be able to just leave this thing in the past?
[ It's hard to tell for her, especially since it's not like she knows everyone in this place. A whole lot of people who were arguing about the dragon incident were total strangers to her. ]
no subject
[A turn of the meat before he cuts into it to check how far along it is. Nearly done~!]
Not everything can be smoothed over immediately or be expected to be so easily cooled. It takes time, it takes patience, and it takes people being able to say sorry without their pride getting in the way.
[He turns back to face her, his smile not faltering and still looking rather assured that things will work out. As far as he was concerned people would move on and get riled up at the next, big thing. She does make a point about the whole cracks showing in everyone's bonds.
That said...]
Something tells me that most of everyone arguing didn't actually know each other, or only knew each other in passing. Strangers find it easy to get mad at strangers. But that all falls apart when they're able to get to know each other. One of the best ways to do that is to be able to wish each other well. To share food and drink. And to be able to look and hear and feel each other.
This is one of the best times to do just that.
no subject
While he's over here barbecuing. Subtle. But Minako doesn't necessarily think he's wrong. She just hopes that it'll be enough. That people get to know each other with an open heart, and actually try to get along and work together towards making this place better, rather than letting loss and pain and confusion and worry get the better of them.
.. She slowly releases a breath, trying to ease some of the tension that's been resting heavy on her shoulders. ]
In that case, I thiiink you might have to grill some more meat if you're going to invite the entire city to a barbecue. [ It's just a joke, a gentle tease. Which seems to be confirmed by both the tone she's using and the smile she's got on her face. ]
text; un: maou
Still... ]
hey
[ ... he might as well try. ]
Video forever and ever ❤
The thoughtful expression remains but the annoyance in it softens.]
Hm? Ah-- suppose I should say sorry.
[And he actually sounds like he means it. He was never one to beat around the bush. Even when his thoughts are floating around elsewhere.]
no subject
i should say that, too. i overreacted.
its
not easy for me to deal with ppl whove seen me at something as vulnerable as "at the edge of death" u kno.
no subject
Oh, but I know all too well what that feeling is like. It's nothing to be ashamed about, so long as you make right after lashing out.
[And probably without knowing it, Kipposhi hit one of the points that was causing him to itch. Doubly so when everyone looks at you like you're some sort of insurmountable mountain they can lean on. And are expected to keep up that appearance.
This wasn't about that though.]
...I was happy to see a friend still alive and well in any case. Whether you consider me one or not. If you want to talk about it, or anything, I've ears that can listen. And a mouth that can stay silent.
no subject
i appreciate it, but for now, i dont think i could make it through without getting frustrated. at myself, at something else.
[ At Beowulf. Again. ]
so maybe its best left alone for the moment.
no subject
[Kipposhi can do Kipposhi. It's one of the reasons Beowulf was surprised he was talking to him at all right now. Figuring it would have been a little while before they were on speaking terms again. He also wouldn't lie and say it wasn't hurtful when the smaller of the two said they weren't friends.
It almost reminded him of being left to die by others again. Something that only poured more salt in the Berserker's heart.
But hey, this works too.]
Before all that though. Come over and grab some food with the rest of us.
no subject
but
im thankful for the offer. and ill make it up to u, sometime. probably over this bootleg sake i bought.
no subject
[Butchered....]
action
It takes her about fifteen minutes, and she shows up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, wrapped in a puffy coat and an equally fat scarf that hides about half her face. When she actually sees him, she waves, breaking into a trot over to him. ]
This isn't really the time of year for grilling, is it? But I'm ready. I had a pretty light breakfast this morning--I'm ready to be fed.
no subject
Glad to hear! By the looks of things we need to get you nice and round for the winter months.
[Gotta beef up like a bear~!]
no subject
[ She manages to say it mostly deadpan, fluffing herself a little in her coat. Really, she's not as active as she was in Chaldea, but she still spends more time running around than not, especially as she's gotten used to this Camelot. ]
The mystic code is actually working fine, I just didn't want people looking at me weird because I was walking around with bare legs. It smells good, though.
no subject
[Hardcore, Spartan cross-fit training! The lack of cars in Camelot kind of puts a damper on things though, doesn't it? They have magic, why not magical cars? But really, oh gosh, it's possible for her to get... even more... fluffy!? This is too much power for one person to have.
Beowulf flips the meat.]
I'm still not certain I understand how that keeps you warm. [It's a thing, small skirt without any insulation....]
Ah-- but the meat does, doesn't it? Bet an empty stomach certainly helps with the smell too. Oh, Eik is currently readying the vegetables as well.
no subject
[ But of course she flits closer while he flips the meat, not quite under his arm. It smells good! She's ready to eat! ]
But if you've got a problem with the design, you're gonna have to take it up with Da Vinci. I think she worked with the rest of the staff to make it work, but she's definitely the one who designed the look. I've seen the sketches in her office.
[ And she's been called in for fittings... which, to be fair, the stuff does fit, even if it sometimes shows more leg than she's entirely expecting. ]
You guys are the best, though. Please feed me.
no subject
[Said arm lifts up so she move under it and see those wonderful slabs of meat cooking away! Nice and juicy and looking so, gosh darned tender! They might make anyone's dad jealous and shed a tear of joy!
Now they're cookin' with dragon!]
Mm, but no. I'm not going to do that. Chances are she'll find a way to get me into it.
[Beowulf... wearing the winter mystic code.... just imagine it now.]
As for the food. Wait a moment longer, reptile can't be left rare, let alone something that's usually poisonous. Even after being boiled. They'll be finished in a minute or two anyway.
[Sizzle sizzle and barbecue smell all around! He actually goes ahead to cut into one to check.] Juices are pretty much runnin' clear.
no subject
[ It's not a self-confidence thing; if anything, Ritsuka takes pride in being ordinary. In her heart of hearts, she likes to think that anyone could do what she's done, and that's proof of the best parts of humanity: that even in a terrible, hopeless situation, they can rise up and overcome.
But beyond that... she can't help it--she chokes on a brief giggle at the idea of Beowulf wearing the same mystic code. He could probably rock it with the legs, but honestly? He probably would be a little too much for the chest area. ]
I'll be good! I can be patient. Especially when the payoff is better if I do.
no subject
[That he can sympathize with! And part of the reason why he was more than happy to call her his master. People overcoming obstacles and seemingly impossible challenges-- it was honey to him. It drove his heart forward to see and experience. Whether Ritsuka knew it or not, that little itching ball in his stomach was eased a bit.
Still... he kind of wishes none of the things that had happened did to her? Just a little. But if it hadn't been her, then who would have stood up? The Crypters? He'd sooner bite his tongue in that case.
The giggle gets his smile and chuckle to grow into full blown laughter. One that begged to be joined with an equally happy laugh! She must have really liked that image of him wearing her clothes... for however long that mystic code might survive anyway! There's a reason why he only ever wears pants.]
Waiting does make things taste far better.
[Or was it makes the heart grow fonder? ...Either way in a few more minutes he flips and cuts into another one. Looking nice and clear and grey. Unfortunately, grey... but it's far better to be safe than having holes in your stomach!]
no subject
[ She's proud of that, too. Even an ordinary girl can be friends with extraordinary people.
And honestly, grey meat is still better than some of the stuff she's had to eat over the past few years. At least she can recognize dragons or lizards, versus whatever goes into the creation of any of the variety of demonic beasts. And she stays hovering close, though she sidesteps his gestures automatically, without thinking; she's gotten good at moving with and around Servants. ]
Is there anything I can do to help? Maybe I'm not the best cook, but I can help with setting things up, or putting things away.
no subject
So ordinary that I wouldn't be able to pick you out of a crowd.
[Well-done meat is still delicious meat! Especially when it's been soaking in some delicious, savory sauce. And is so darn tender it can melt in your mouth without a hint of fat on it!]
Hm, meat's basically done. You can see if my familiar needs help inside. Don't think she's set the table just yet. We're expecting more company later.
no subject
[ It's true on a multitude of levels. Someday, in the theoretical future where they've fixed everything--she might someday encounter another version of him, in a different Holy Grail War, and he won't know her. And she's not entirely okay with that, but... that can be something to work on. The Beowulf here is the one she knows, and that's what matters. ]
I'll go check on her. One sec!
[ And off she goes, a neat little trot to head inside and see what's up. ]
no subject
What a nice day this had turned out being. His master stopped by, Kadoc wasn't all doom and gloom, Kipposhi was fine, and Minako came by with the piece of his currently broken sword. All in all, a fine day indeed. He goes ahead and looks up to the sky to say a thanks for it. So nice and peaceful and pleasant, with everyone milling about and living their lives as happily as possible.
Ah-- that's what it was. That was the spark that he needed to help get rid of the itch in his gut. A bit of a reminder for what ignited his spark to fight even when he was near death in his advanced age. Beowulf gives himself a laugh of joy. Whether Ritsuka knew it or not, she helped him out quite a bit today by simply being here.
Yeah, if she ever called he'd answer.]
video
[Obviously yes. That's clearly what he's doing! There he is, plain as day! But Kadoc has to ask anyway, just to hammer home the point.]
You're sure you didn't forget you're not a Servant anymore?
no subject
[He is, like it's the most obvious and plain as day thing out there. Because, you know, he is.]
And yes, I'm not a servant any more. I am quite aware of that. [He's cutting back on tops though... they tend to tear when he moves his body!
The Servant thing though just reminds him of him having a physical body again. Another piece of what's bugging him.]
Did you want to come over?
[Master, maybe Kipposhi, and Minako are all already coming over!]
video > action
[This has got to be one of the weirdest invitations he's ever received, but you know what? Not about to turn it down. That steak is actually dragon, right? Wait, is he going to get cursed for this or something? . . . He can think about that on the way, and also about what the girls might think about being invited over for dinner by a shirtless man who looks and cooks like Beowulf. Do they like it? Does Kadoc like it? It almost feels like a waste not to? Awaken, his bisexuality! . . . It's not happening.
This is what's going to occupy his mind as he walks, dressed in a fluffy warm coat of his own, hands shoved in his pockets as he trudges through the snow. The smell of cooking meat will definitely guide him to the exact location.]
no subject
Also... it's fine Kadoc, it's fine to admit it and give into those feelings just like his mun!
Except that's a bit of a lie. His mun gave into grail-simping for Cleo instead of their Beo-sexuality. For shame.But let's face it, Beowulf hi.self most probably doesn't really carry those same thoughts or inclinations as Kadoc or the girls. He just simply doesn't care.
...The Berserker in question was currently flipping over the cuts of meat when the magus arrives. Looking rather thoughtful as he cooked the food. Not looking up from his task he addressed Kadoc as he grew closer.]
Eik is currently taking care of the vegetable sides right now and Master should be here shortly.
no subject
[But the lack of greeting makes him smile more genuinely than an actual greeting would. It's hard to deal with people being nice to him; it's not hard to deal with people being curt with him, especially people who have every reason to maintain some wariness in his general direction. He drifts over to get a peek at the grill, and also just because he's drawn in by that smell like a magnet. A nose magnet. Kadoc is not exactly a foodie, but living with Gareth has helped reawaken his appetite somewhat these past months, and a steak grilling is a steak grilling. Who can ever resist that?]
. . . Just to get this outta the way. That is dragon meat, and you're what percent sure that eating it isn't going to screw me over somehow?
no subject
Who can resist the smell of some deliciously grilled meat? Or the smell of it cooking on charcoal? Only heathens!
Said meat is grillin' away and looking mighty fine with a delicious brown to it already. Beowulf himself wasn't really much of a cook, but he could certainly pull out a few things here and there!]
Yes, it's dragon. The throat in particular. And I'm 100% certain that you won't become sick from eating it. Dragons are vile creatures but they taste wonderful.
[Kadoc probably wasn't expecting to do anything metal today, but here you go!]
The ones that managed to find it first didn't seem to be struggling with poison or disease. But all the same this was still boiled first and will be cooked until well done.
[No pink here, unfortunately. But it was always better safe than sorry. Especially with dragons.]
...Relax, not everything here will curse you.
no subject
[Ech. The memory of that was still fresh. Talk about disturbing! And hilarious, but only to outsiders, and maybe to Kadoc someday far in the future. That time is not yet; he grimaces. He was not already grimacing at the thought of a well-done steak, which is how you know food is not a hobby of his.]
no subject
[And when magical anything is involved, at least in Beowulf's experience, there usually is reason for paranoia. In this case though, if anyone was going to get cursed, it was probably those that actually managed to kill it.
He's... also not going to question the balloon bit. He will probably think that it was all well-deserved though! Beowulf was also not much of a hobbyist when it came to food. The only reason why he knows the recipe he was currently using was due to Boudica and Emiya's combined help. Not to say he doesn't know how to cook on his own!
How else was going to eat? Expect his man-hunting familiar to do the job for him?]
It's better this, than leaving it to rot, or for some mage to come around and reanimate the thing... speaking of, I've something for you. A reward for your help.
[And lack of backstabbing.]
no subject
[That segue is also concerning! Kadoc's not sure if he's more surprised to be offered anything at all, or that it comes on the tail of discussing reanimating a corpse. It's probably not related to that part!
And yet he wants to know what it is. Of course he does. Even this Debbie Downer gets a little bit hype at hearing someone has something for him.]
no subject
[He shrugged and moved towards a nearby chest. Opening it up and pulling out....
Leather.... with scales.]
It's still a good thing that Hrunting wasn't the one that broke. Otherwise, it would have been a pain to skin this off.
no subject
. . . Cool.
[Right now, he's just a young man who likes rad things like fuckin' dragon leather, which is so hardcore?!]
You sure? I mean, if you are, I'll take it. I can find plenty to do with it. Just . . . damn.